Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra

Character. Commitment. Discipline. Community.
Mr. Diego Hernandez, conductor

The Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra, founded in 2025 as the Gulf Coast Symphony’s newest educational program, aims to be the region’s premier youth orchestra for gifted young classical musicians, and become one of the most highly regarded youth orchestras in the United States.  

We believe that the pursuit of musical excellence builds character, discipline, commitment, and community. We aim to create a unique learning environment in which a diverse cohort of students develops fundamental life skills including leadership, self-confidence, teamwork, and resilience through rehearsing and performing quality orchestral music. 

Intended as an advanced supplement to participation in school band/orchestra programs and private study, participation in GCYO includes weekly rehearsals, regularly scheduled concerts, and several additional benefits:
• Mentorship and orchestral sectional training from members of the Gulf Coast Symphony.
• The opportunity to join a community of young orchestral musicians from throughout the region.
• Voluntary additional performance and leadership opportunities that make a difference for the community.
• A valuable addition to college/conservatory applications.

Rehearsals: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Music and Arts Community Center, 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL

Concerts:
Saturday, February 28, 2026, Music and Arts Community Center
Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Open to: Musicians age 15–22 who play violin, viola, cello, double bass, percussion, harp, flute, piccolo, oboe, English horn, clarinet, bass/Eb clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, or tuba. There may also be an occasional need for other instruments.

Expectations: While there is no entrance audition for the 2025–2026 school year, musicians will be expected to have an advanced level of proficiency on their instrument; to commit to rehearsal attendance, preparation, and respectful conduct; and to perform in the concerts. Although rehearsals have already begun, musicians are generally welcome to join throughout the 2025–2026 school year, subject to approval by the conductor.

All students participating this 2025-2026 school year will receive free tuition!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Ready to Join? Click the Register button above and fill out the form. Please fill out one form per child.

Although there is no tuition fee, registration is required to reserve your spot. After submitting the form, our team will follow up with any necessary next steps.

Questions? Email Mr. Diego Hernandez, GCYO Conductor, at diego@gulfcoastsymphony.org.